UNI Panther Caravan returns with three stops in 2025
4/17/2025 4:30:00 PM | General
CEDAR FALLS, Iowa ---Â The Panther Caravan, powered by MidAmerican Energy, is hitting the road again this May to spread Panther Pride throughout Iowa. Enjoy food, games, giveaways and camaraderie with people who love UNI just as much as you do. This year's stops are in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids and Cedar Falls.
The Panther Scholarship Club (PSC) and UNI Alumni Association are teaming up to make this spring's caravan an exciting experience, featuring great venues, and food - all free of charge. Each event will offer easy opportunities to sign up for the PSC, purchase athletics season tickets, and get involved with the local Alumni Clubs. Guests are asked to register online for events ahead of time.
Featured speakers during the 2025 Panther Caravan will include special guests such as Director of Athletics Megan Franklin and new football head coach Todd Stepsis, among others.
"I have fond memories of the 2024 Panther Caravan given it was days from being the next UNI Director of Athletics," Franklin said. "It has been a joy to meet UNI fans at events and games. Our amazing fans helped set a number of attendance records this year. We have memories to last a lifetime. In this pivotal moment in college athletics, we appreciate the support of the Panthers as we pursue comprehensive excellence in all areas of UNI Athletics."
New this year will be a free, festival-style event in downtown Cedar Falls for the final stop of the three-day event with live music, food and beverage vendors and Panther giveaways.Â
Entertainment for the stop in Cedar Falls will include live music by Brad and Kate, a popular acoustic duo bringing a feel-good mix of covers and originals. DJ Darryl, who brought the energy this past basketball season in the McLeod Center, will keep the vibe going with crowd-favorite tracks.
"We're taking a true street party approach this year in downtown Cedar Falls - live music, food trucks, cold drinks and a whole lot of Panther spirit," said Brian Gabel, president of the UNI Alumni Association. "It's a chance for the community to come together, celebrate UNI and kick off summer in a way that only Panther fans can."
More information about Panther Caravan and links to register can be found online by visiting panthercaravan.uni.edu.
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Tuesday, May 13 - Des Moines
Jasper Winery
2400 George Flagg Pkwy, Des Moines, IA
Wednesday, May 14 - Cedar Rapids
Big Grove Brewery
170 1st St. SW, Cedar Rapids, IA
Thursday, May 15 - Cedar Falls
River Place Plaza
100 State St., Cedar Falls, IA
UNI Athletics action can be followed all year long on social media on Facebook (UNI Athletics), X (@UNIAthletics) and on Instagram (@uniathletics). Schedules and rosters, along with the latest Panther news and information can be found online at UNIpanthers.com.